At that time Jesus answered and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:25-30)

Get In The Harness With Me

The ministry of Jesus was an exhausting series of traveling from region to region teaching, healing and preparing for what He knew waited for Him at the cross. His physical stamina was remarkable. The daily assaults by the enemies of God lay heavy upon Him. Forming a group of men to be His apostles so the gospel could be spread to the uttermost parts of the earth was a task of constant instruction and exhortation. In all of the things that pressed upon the Son of God, His deep compassion for the plight of man was extreme. He cried over Jerusalem, as the future of God’s city would lay in ruin. The Son of God was angered that men would not repent even when He performed great miracles in their midst. There was a lot on the mind of Jesus.

God’s power was seen through the hand of Jesus in every miracle. There was nothing that Jesus could not do showing the work of the Holy Spirit in healing disease, raising the dead, subduing nature and exercising power over the demon world. He had done great miracles in the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum but the people refused to repent. In contrast, the Lord suggests the rebellious cities of Tyre, Sidon and remarkably enough – Sodom – would have repented if they had seen the power of Christ. Jesus was sorrowful at the stubbornness of man. His anger turns to heart-felt sorrow and an invitation for man to repent. There is something offered in the face of despair that could only come from the throne of God.

Jesus had come to do the Father’s will. He knew that no matter the condition of man, God would never leave him without His grace. The call of redemption was simple: come to Me and I will give you rest. There were many reasons to walk away from man and leave him to his self-destruction. Mercy would not allow the abandonment of the creature man. With all the mighty works as proof Jesus was the Son of God; in the face of the rejection of man’s denial; God still offers a plan of salvation. Through His Son He offers man to be a part of His Son. Jesus offers rest if man will come and take His yoke and learn from the Son of Man. In effect, the Lord says, “Get in the harness with Me.” “Let Me be the burden bearer in your life” is how Jesus describes the union with Him. The great invitation is the greatest gift.

No one is without burdens in life. Job reminds us we are born of trouble. There are so many things that come upon us in life that challenge our resolve, our faith and our devotion. When God first created man He knew it was not good for him to be alone. Creating the woman would satisfy most of man’s needs but not all. What man needed desperately would be the companionship of salvation as sin darkened the world. Jesus Christ is that answer. Taking a part in the yoke of Christ is the union of our hearts and souls to the will of a loving Savior. He bids us to be part of Him so that He can carry our burdens. It is not good for us to be alone and Jesus invites us to get in the harness with Him. He will lighten our load. His love will make the troubles of life easier to bear. The kindness of God will restore hope. Disease can be conquered, despair overcome and hope will fill our hearts because we walk with the Lord.

When we get in the harness with Jesus, we will find the burdens will be easier to bear. He is in control and His yoke will be a lighter experience in the troubles we face in life. Turn your heart to Jesus Christ. Allow the peace of God to fill your mind like a gentle rain. Putting your life in the ‘harness of Jesus’ will be the best thing you will ever do in your life. Accept His invitation. Now that is a great story.

Know that our Lord is called in scripture the Prince of Peace, and hence, wherever He is absolute Master, He preserves peace. (Francis of Sales; 1567-1622; Consoling Thoughts of, ed. Huguet)